Speed

Speed


Speed is an amazing thing.
We often complain that things don’t happen fast enough in our lives, or that God takes to long to ever move. We are often impatient people. Time and dreams seem to drag and go slow.

Then there are times when you can’t keep up. The speed as at warp-factor 7!
At those time we find ourselves questioning, doubting because... “It’s all happen too fast, something may go wrong”. The Speed that God moves blows us away and we want to slow things way do so that we can control them.

We have 9 months to prepare to be parents and receive our child into this world. It seems like forever when you first hear that you are expecting. Then that last month it feels like it all has gone by to fast. Then the day arrives and you stand there in awe, wonder.... “How did we get here and what do we do no?”

I remember a phrase that has stuck with me on speed and leadership.
“The speed of the leader often dictates the speed of the team (organization / church)”

The issue of speed, too fast or too slow has always been with mankind.
The scriptures are full of examples showing how people of faith cried out God to move, move swift and then as God moves swift, they freeze up.

It’s strange that we often resist God even after we have prayed and prayed.
Those moments hit leaders hard.

Speed is ever fluid. We do not control God and how He decides to lead.
Rather we are called to follow. Sometimes that following means it’s slow walk in the park and other times it’s a sprint that is wild and dangerous. Yet we are called to follow.

Right now I am and we as a church our experiencing SPEED BUMPS.
God is moving lighting fast. Just this morning I received two more surprise phone calls that completely confirm where God is taking us with regard to the Outreach Center.
I am in awe!

Each phone call, e-mail, follow up has and will cause speed bumps. It’s part of being fallen humans trying to follow a perfect God. Father God that always has our best interest. So what do you do with speed and speed bumps?

You try your best, and trust Father God.
There are too many examples of when we question, doubt and try to control God’s timing that things really unravel and become a bigger mess. So let’s follow God no matter what speed he moves. If it appears to be slow or mach 5. Let’s have the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Faith tom follow God on a wild goose chase.

Crazy Love - Best Life... Later

Best Life... later

The last several weeks have been an amazing fast-paced ride with God. As the year was getting close to wrapping up it appeared that our dream or securing a place for our outreach center / coffee -shop would not happen. Then God opened some amazing doors and moved us from our “smaller” dream to the “bigger” end goal dream of a site where we could open up a night club. It has happened so fast, it’s freaky.

We have not signed an agreement yet, but the terms of the agreement are almost set to both sides satisfaction. Now the question of the week, will we step up, sacrifice, look crazy to others and really bring this dream to life. Sunday, Dec. 6th we began with $4,000 in our special outreach fund. As I write this (Dec. 8th) we have just over $9,000 actual cash in this fund. That is truly a YEAH GOD!

There are giants to face in this process. giants like...
Bathroom construction and cost
Painting
Remodeling
Monthly budget matters
Volunteers to main the club once it opens
Moving offices, equipment
Re-inventing the church from the theaters to a night club vibe
and more.

Yet God is already providing,
50 table stands
50 chairs (plus maybe another 80)
Bathroom fixtures
The money to give a deposit and first month rent

I ask that first and for most you praise God with us for His provision.
Pray with us for the exciting site of the old Quality Woods store (Hwy 14 & 63)
Pray for continued financial resources and donations.
Pray that God may be glorified and hundreds reach if this site really opens up.

We are on the edge of a dream... do you want to step into a high risk adventure with God, or wait for the great adventure... later?

I pray that you join with us in faith.
It’s so cool to to running with God.

Listen to this last weeks Sunday morning for more details and to catch the vision.
http://journeychurch.libsyn.com/

Crazy Love - Leftovers

Leftovers

I am not a big fan of leftovers. It’s not that I want to waste food, it’s just not normally as good as the first time it was served up. When Francis Chan titled chapter 5, “Leftovers to a Holy God” I knew it was not going to pretty. I was right, it is a deeply challenging chapter, especially coming after “Lukewarm” (Chapter 4).

But Chan touches on things that I have long struggled with personally.
How can we call ourselves real Jesus Followers (Disciples) if we only give God leftovers (time, money, effort, love, etc.) I have never believed that just “believing” was all that God asks of us. No He wants a really, vibrant relationship. “All or nothing” His love for us was “all of nothing”, our marriages are created to be “all or nothing” and yet we don’t believe that God would require that type of love (action love) of us.

I shared my view of Black Friday this weekend... wow did that surprise some people!
We can manage to get out of bed, grab some coffee, and race to get in line by 3 or 4 a.m. to not miss out on the great door busters deals, but we can’t get up for a 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday. We can’t serve on a volunteer grid and help set up, teach young kids, greet at the door. We can’t help pack food boxes from 9 - noon once a month.... but we can commit, plan and do door busters?

“Where you treasure is, there your heart will be also”, words of Jesus Christ.

In Malachi God warned that “leftover” sacrifices have left God wishing that someone would close the temple (church) doors. God would have us shut down ministries, than continue getting Him the leftovers. Is God worth our best or not? Does our love for God natural draw us to service and sacrifice?

King David said, “I will not offer a sacrifice that cost me nothing”
Modern translation.... “no pain no gain”

This is not about having us serve and give more out of guilt, this is about having such a love for God, we naturally poor out our best to Him and others.

Ask yourself why are so many churches and denominations closing and getting smaller and smaller? Could it be.... too many leftovers have been served and God is doing what He warned us about in Malachi’s day. Could it be that seekers can see when it’s not real love.... but leftovers. Why would they come back to a place that doesn’t really, radically love and follow God. I wouldn’t! Really I wouldn’t.

This idea of giving God leftovers deeply effects God’s heart. Twice Jesus cleared the merchants from the temple. Once with a whip! God does not want us playing church. partially following... no he wants “All or nothing”

What are you giving.... your best or leftovers to a Holy God that loves you like Crazy and gave nothing but the best for you?


Black Friday.... really?

Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving.... the day set a side to honor and praise God for all the many blessings of the past year. (Like we really need a holiday to remind to do that? Oh yeah... we are American’s) The Turkey is barely been digested and our new holiday.. “Black Friday” is all the rage around the USA.

Really after saying thank for all our blessing we need run out and buy MORE!
Run out a 3 or 4 a.m. because that’s when all the best deals are happening.
I think Satan is laughing his head off at our materialistic world.
Rather than sleep, get rested and enjoy family... we’d rather get up crazy early, push and shove in order to try and get that “door buster” or “super savings on select items”.

Really having more is really worth it!

The average person live on $2.00 per day in this world, while we are in line today.
Between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, we in America will spend more than 400 billion dollars. By Dec. 15th, we won’t even remember who gave us half of our new stuff.

Now I am not against gifts. I love both giving and receiving gifts.
But when we must get up long before the sun wakes up.... something is wrong.
When we go from thankfulness to credit card debt in 24 hours or less.... something is wrong.

Ask yourself who created “Black Friday”.... the retail outlets of America.
Who benefits from “Black Friday”.... the retail stores of the USA.
Ask yourself did the long, early morning, crazy shopping line radically change yours or anyone else's lives to day?

Maybe “Black Friday” is the best name for what is happening today. Maybe it best describes our hearts. Dark and black from the love of things, rather than the love of people.

But then again as a friend of mine mentioned this morning... “maybe this is like the fishing opener for women.”




Crazy Love

This week we kick off a new discussion / book study based of the national best seller "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. The book starts off at an easy pace and then at Chapter 4 explodes with some serious challenge stuff.

Chan rights "this book is written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do."

I personally have been renewed, re-energized and deeply challenged by this book to take my faith up several notches. My prayer is that what we as individuals and a church community experience between Christmas will forever change us into living out an even deeper, crazier love for God and others.

Are you ready to get crazy?
How crazy is too crazy?

Improved Podcast

Exciting news. This week Journey re-launched our podcast page. (Thanks to Joel H.)
This new podcast page is much more universal and will allow people to subscribe to itunes and always stay connected. (that part is in process now)

Check out the new podcast by going to our Journey Church front page
www.journeychurch.net

click on the podcast icon button.

Look for more video content via our Youtube account coming soon.

Out of tbe darkness

It's been a few weeks since I have posted. The past few months have been some of the darkest, toughest of my ministry years, the life of this church and my personal family.
Spiritual warfare is real and it takes alot out of you...on so many levels.

But now I sense that we are moving out of that darkness and rolling again.
Personally I am more focused. I am feeling confident in handing things off to people, current and newer leaders. There is something to be said for coming through tough times together as a family, with the Holy Spirit. It pulls even closer. Oh yeah we've had some really intense interactions as of late... but we are also stronger for having not run from them. It's not fun, but it's been beneficial.

I believe that there is a new desire to advance again, welcome and intergrate newcomers as well. That is exciting. I am excited, because once again I have seen God work through hard times, I have seen His people rise up and I am freer to do what I am called to do.

It's good to see some light!

GPS #1 - Directionally Challenged

This week we began a new discussion series called GPS. Our goal over the next few weeks is to learn "systems" or "practices" that will help us grow our relationship with God, so that we on really see where He would have us go.

The trouble is that most of us are directionally challenged.
Instead of finding direction and meaning from God, we finding money, career, power, status, family and friends, etc. We set our life by the stuff of earth instead of the tings of Heaven. Then as life goes by we yell at God that we have no idea where we are going, how we got here, or why our life isn't moving and exciting.

I believe that this directionally challenged life partly because we are asking the wrong question. Most of ask, "where am I know, and where should I be going next."
This is based off of a self-centered few of life. We start with life now... "me now" and the seek direction on life later.... "me future."

When maybe the real question is "where is God moving and how can I join with him."
This directional question is based on the movement of God, his dreams, his desires... not ours. It's a much bigger and much more exciting question... because God is limitless in what is doing and wants to do in our world.

Jesus said, "My Father is always at work, and so am I" (John 5:17)
Then he says, "I tell you the truth, the son can do nothing by himself. He only does what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does the son also does." (John 5:19)

That is amazing and very insightful for us. Set your course by what God is already doing. Start looking for God action in our lives, churches, community and world.

The problem is we can't see what God is doing unless we address a blinding issue in our lives.... STUBBORNNESS. Read the story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers Chapter 22. A great spiritual man was blinded by his own stubbornness. God had to creatively get Balaam's attention and once again remind his servant to live a humble life of obedience.

Since I can be a really stubborn person at times, I love reading this story. It reminds me that if God can have an "Ass" see spiritual things before the "rock-star spiritual giant Balaam, maybe I can begin to see the things of God as well.

Are you directionally challenged today?
Ask yourself.... "am I a stubborn person"?
Ask yourself.... " am I looking for where God is already moving, or am i trying to have things my way, and make them look really spiritual."

Rites of Passage

There was a time when parents had the honor of blessing their children. This blessing came as the parents saw that the child was "coming of age", or fully able to handle what was been passed on to them.

Our world no longer embraces this idea of rite of passage with a parents blessing.

No now we have a world where most kids believe, "I deserve it." Our children no longer want that special moment with mom and dad... instead they just want the stuff that was once seen as a blessing.

Cars are now seen as a given in a kids life.... not a gift or sign of coming of age.
Cellphones are standard issue to every child.... not a tool that can be afforded and used properly at the right times.
Getting a savings account or check book are no longer seen as great teaching moments, something that need wisdom and guidance... they are seen as absolutes in a kids life.

So many special rites of passage, long term memory moments have been taken, removed or erased from the family of today. It used to be extra special to when dad when and said, "today is the day we start car shopping together, let me show what I have learned. Let's got kick some tires."

Throughout the Bible there are stories of how the blessing and rite of passage was a major event in family and nations life. David and Solomon, Jacob and Esau, Elijah to Elisha, just name a few.

No rites of passage moments appear to evaporating and with it goes a big part of parenthood, family, and memories. I think it is a sad, sad statement on our world today. The objects of the blessing and rite are now more important than the experience and the personal blessing, honor, smile from mom and dad.

As a parent of a senior in high school... this sad reality is hitting home with me.
I wish, I pray that my kids wanted and longed for the blessing, the smiles and impute from their parents... instead of just the stuff. Days are short, and memories and moments are even fewer.

Just some observations and ramblings from a guy, husband and father.

Farve Nation

Tonight the Packers meet the Vikings for the first time since Brett Farve retired (for the first time) and the rejoined the NFL. This will be the first meeting of Farve with his old team mates. 16b years at GB and now he is a Viking. How strange it will be for so many tonight.

I am a Packer fan first.
Viking fan second and a Farve third.

I am really looking forward to a fun game. Rodgers vs Farve. Packer vs Vikings (always good game), cheese heads vs goldie locks.

I predict that Packers will win. But it will be a long, intense game.

You never know who is in the crowd

We say it over and over with our leadership team, we pray and ask God to prepare us each Sunday to serve and love each newcomer, regular attender. “Any given Sunday, we have no idea who is in the crowd.”

It has taken me two days to put something to paper about the tragic suicide on Sunday afternoon (9-20-09). Plans had been made for me to meet with Chad and Stephanie Fisher, along with a seeking friend....Brent. Brent was Chad’s twin sister (Candi) ex-boyfriend, father of their young son. Brent and Candi had met while both living a life consumed by Meth. Both had become clean in recent years and had begun to put pieces of life back together in a healthier way.

Both were seekers of sorts.

Brent had begun to ask lots of spiritual / faith questions of Chad. 
Saturday, Brent helped several people from Journey paint Dave Reynolds home.
Sunday, Brent attended our Sunday morning gathering at the Chateau Theaters.
 This Sunday we continued our series on Forgiveness.... the real “f” word and focused on forgiving the offender. How do you forgive someone that has really hurt you.
We showed a media clip from an independent film called “THE GAP”. 

The clip showed a man seeking forgiveness from his ex-wife that he had cheated on.
 The women asked tough questions, but in the end granted forgiveness and let him “go in peace with God.”

Little did we know that this media scene would be played out a few hours later between Brent and Candi. Instead of meeting after church with Chad, Steph and myself.... Brent asked to meet another day.

4:30 p.m. the phone rings and Chad fears Brent has driven off to commit suicide after a brief meeting with his sister Candi. By 5 p.m. Brent is found barely alive. By 7 p.m. he has passed away at St. Marys hospital.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS IN THE CROWD.

Brent was seeking.
Brent heard a powerful and dangerous message on forgiveness.
Brent heard a clear gospel message of how Christ blood, death on the cross is what frees us from our sin and is all God see’s if we are his children. If we have accepted Christ, sought God’s forgiveness... God sees us as clean because of Jesus.

We pray and hope that Brent gave his life to Christ / God before his passing.
He was seeking.
He was hurting.

He was trapped in a dark place that the enemy did not want him to come out of.

I am reminded of the words from Peter. These words have new power and meaning.

 
"8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters[ all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11)

I believe that Brent is with our loving King and Savior.
 I believe that the church will rise up and serve the Fisher family. 
I believe that will be glorified in a bold powerful way some how.
 I believe that new passion and zeal will come of this as we remember 
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS IN THE CROWD.

May be always be prepared to give an answer for our faith and serve others.

Forgivness #2 - My Own Prison

This Sunday I shared how many of us live in a prison of our own making.
This prison has a name, it’s called “UN-FORGIVENESS”.
This unforgiveness can be because we have not forgiven others, we have not forgiven ourselves or we have not sought out God’s forgiveness.

Unforgiveness can become a dark and deadly prison. The longer we choose to not address the sin in our lives, run for giving or receiving forgiveness the darker the cell or cage becomes. For many people these prison becomes more intense and dangerous as we begin to “self-medicate” ourselves because we can’t deal with the pain and truth of unforgiveness. Rather that face the issue head on we settle for momentary “high” to numb the pain, distract us from the real issue. We “self-medicate” in so many ways, some more dangerous than others. Sex, drugs, alcohol, food, movies , TV, etc. Anything that creates a false sense of happiness, but in the end only numbs us to the real pain of the sin.

This self made prison of unforgiveness kills not only us, but radically effects those around us. The side effects of a “self-medicate” life can be, divorce, loss of Job, anger, bitterness, rage, depression, and suicide. And the tragic thing is that we have no one to blame but ourselves. Because we have chosen a life of unforgiveness of some kind.

King Saul had a tormenting spirit come upon him as he avoided dealing with his sin and other life issues. He choose to not seek forgiveness and he spun out of control. Young David, tried to sooth King Saul by playing the harp (self-medicate). It didn’t work. The bitterness, rage, anger, hatred, self-worth side effects only got worse. How sad... it never had to be that way. Freedom was Saul’s if only he had faced his sin, worked through the forgiveness issues and restored the relationships in his life.

This self made prison of unforgiveness is made by us and our chooses... not someone else. Stop blaming others for your addictions and nasty attitudes and behaviors. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul gives great action steps to freeing ourselves from this prison of unforgiveness.

Philippians 4:8-9
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

The Keys are in your hands...do you want freedom.... start by addressing the sin in your live.
Look in the mirror and get real.
Then “fix your thoughts” on the truth.... God’s truth. You are loved, you are forgiven, your of value, etc. Start looking for the good in life, rather the dark lies of the enemy.
Then “Practice” what God has taught you. Really, follow Jesus Christ and how he lived, loved, and forgave. His was a life of truth and grace. A wide open adventure... not a dark prison.
And if you are “self-medicating”, get help today. Be honest before you really explode.

Rather than, anger, bitterness, rage, you will finally know God’s peace.

The choose is yours.... the keys are in your hands... what will you choose to do?

NFL 2009 Begins

Kick off 2009... Thursday night game on NBC.
Steelers win in OT!!!!

What a great way to get the football blood pumping.

Sunday night.... Packers and Bears.... oh year!

Bring on the chips, salsa and good times.

Forgiveness.... the real "F" word

This week we kick of a big series, as we explore forgiveness.
Forgiveness, restoration of broken relationships is the central message of Jesus Christ and our churches. So why is real forgiveness so hard to give, receive, accept and find healing in?

Let me start out with this challenge.... Saying "I'm sorry" is NOT FORGIVENESS!
It's a short cut, a cop-out.
Forgiveness is much, much more.
Forgiveness is costly.
Forgiveness is deeply personal.
Forgiveness is freeing for the both the offender and the offended.

Are you prepared to explore the real truth of forgiveness?
Are you willing to admit that forgiveness is something we all want, but hard to give?

See you Sunday.

Farve the Viking

Well it happened, Brett Farve signed the contract and suited up yesterday with the Minnesota Vikings. Several thoughts and then a question.
First, I have not heard many Viking fans cheering on how "great this is."
Is that because they all see how weak of a Coaching staff, and ownership "leadership" organization the Vikings have become. Sure they now have Farve, but it cost them so much respect, pride and dignity along the way. Green Bay is own by the share holders of Wisconsin. The Vikings are now owned by Brett Farve.

If you are any the Quaterbacks on the Viking team, how do you feel this morning. How confident are you in your abilty, value, worth. How much do you trust the Vikings front office.

Now that training camp is over in Mankato. The hard hot and humid two a day work outs are done, aren't you a bit pissedc off that the "hero" of the franchise missed all of that ugly team building work?

By the way.... has anyone thought of the fact that Farve, never plays well in a domed facility? Don't the Viking play in the METEODOME? What are giving up home field advantage with Farve?

Finally.....Post your predictons here.... How many games will Farve play this year for the Vikings?

I Predict that by week 7 of the regular season, Farves stats will be falling and he will either get hurt or hang it up mid-season. He simply can't play an entire season at the level they need to win.

Well what do you think?

How Did I get here?

Lately I've had thoughts of "How did I get here"?

The thought revolves around the idea that I have been married for 20 years, my oldest daughter is going to be a Senior in High School, and our church is now 5 1/2 years old.
Which means I have been out of broadcasting for 10 years.... but I was in broadcasting for 10 years which seem only like yesterday.

How did I get here?

Is there a point in life when the clock, days, nights and months speed up?

I have not had mid-life crises (yet), but I can understand why many do.
It's so strange to wake up and wonder how this all happened, what really go you hear and what's next.

Sickness

It's never really fun being sick. But for me, it's extra hard being sick on the weekend and missing out on our weekly church gathering. This last weekend I got hit with a head and throat cold that hurt. Each time that I talked, coughed or sneezed it felt like my throat would catch on fire.

Man I'm I glad that God has placed such a solid team of people around me a Journey. On this weekend we already had some people covering for others that had planned to be gone, and then I drop off the radar at the last minute. But with the team that we have and the heart beat to "do what it takes" each week I knew not to worry. And I was right.
I've heard a lot of positive feed back on how everyone pulled together and it was a great weekend with God and family.

You see I can handle being sick if nothing is going on a lot easier than something great is happening. I hate missing out on what God is doing. Saturday night I had planned to go to a small gathering about dreaming big dreams for God. Man I was so excited to be around a bunch a dreamers. But once again my being sick stopped me. But Dave Reynolds got to go and said it was awesome. So others in the church family got to experience something new and exciting in my absence.

I hate being sick and missing out, but sometimes it's good to sit on the sidelines and watch what God does through others.

Potential - Kirk (Story of Gideon)

This week we launched our new discussion series, "at the movies" with the mega-hit film of the year STAR TREK. There several themes to explore but the biggest one was the theme of POTENTIAL. Things have changed with the new time-line of Kirk, Spock and McCoy.
Much is the same as we have know it, but much has changed.

Kirk is not the "stack of books" that was described in the classic series.
No, now he is simply drifting through life, bars, girls and bar fights are his way.
Until Capt. Pike dares him to rise to his potential. The potential that given to him partly by the sacrifice of his father. (George Kirk).

Gideon in the OT has a similar challenge put to him by the "angel of the Lord" in Judges chapter 6. The angel calls young Gideon a "Mighty Hero" as he is hiding in a cave.

In both cases each man clearly has some natural ability and talent going for them. But simply living in that ability is not really getting them anywhere. Not until they choose to accept the dare / challenge and act. To choose to act and reach our potential is so hard, especially if we have gotten by on our natural ability, look, smarts, etc.

But your natural ability is NOT you full potential.
Man have people responded to that phrase this week. (Thanks to God for that one!)
Ability is one thing, achieving our full potential takes commitment, work, dedication and help. To reach our full potential we need others to support us, challenge us and even dare us to do better. What potential is locked inside of us... most will never know. What potential is within our local churches.... many don't really care to even ask the question.

God created us in His image. That's got to mean that each of us has amazing potential.
I dare you to rise up.
I dare you to not stay the way you are, but to press forward with God.

Potential is such an unknown thing. I wonder what my full potential for God's glory is. I wonder Journey's full potential for God's Kingdom is. I long to see it.

Goose on the Loose hunt

This week we wrapped up our discussion series "Chasing the Goose" with a talk on the cage of failure. As a bonus I shared how we can all go on a real goose chase.
Rochester has 18 goose statue placed throughout the city this summer (June - Oct).
They may be inside or outside various places around town.

So the hunt is on.
Take the following 18 hints and go on a real goose chase. Real failure is not an option:)

Share how many you found along the way.
Take pictures to prove you found them.

The Goosinator
Goose in the Garden
Payball!
Home Federal Goosey Bank
RCTC Goose
Extra, extra read all about it Goose
Honk, if you love Rochester Goose
Bird and Bard
Calliope - The Muse Goose
The American Dream
Flying Ace
Mother Earth Goose
UMR: Bringing the world to Rochester
Mother Goose takes to Gander
Reflections of Mayo
Family-History-Community-Unity
History Center Goose

At the Movies

It's time for our annual discussion series "at the movies".
Each August we explore several film from this year, looking at what they may be saying to us and then what the scriptures may have to say in light of the films.
We pay at least $8.00 to laugh, cry, cheer or sometimes ponder life as we watch films at a theater. We all have our favorites.

So here is your chance to help me plan a discussion series.
What films caught your attention this year?
What themes, messages, ideas have been projected through these films.
Don't hold back... I really want your feedback.

Comedy, action, adventure, horror, science-fiction, docudrama. They are all fair game.

Give your thoughts and ideas then be sure to invite a friend and join us starting Sunday, August 2nd for the first of our 2009 At the movies series.

Really all this for MJ?

The past several days the world appears to have gone crazy celebrating the life of Micheal Jackson. A man that made a living singing and writing songs. No one will ever deny his talent. I'd even say, "God given gift". Yet how that gift was wasted.
What happened to the young boy that sang as a part of the Jackson 5 and seemed so happy?
As MJ life went it become a human train wreck.
He was fearful of almost everything it seemed... except making more and more money.
There were serious doubts about his behavior with kids and "neverland".
There was his plastic surgeries that morphed his face into something.., indescribable.
And his death is another "rock and roll" mystery story.

The world is celebrating a life gone wrong. Celebrating at the cost of millions of dollars while our economy is in a serious mess. He is being celebrated and used by his own father to promote a new record label and make millions more. Doesn't anyone see something wrong in all of this?

Doesn't anyone see how sad this all is?

There are far more important matters to focus on, give money to and celebrate than the life of a socially messed up man and the millions he made promoting that messed up way of life. I am choosing to ignore it all.
No 20/20 TV specials, no MTV highlights of his career... nothing.
MJ was a man, a lost, broken, hurting man. For that I feel a great loss.

But I will not join in and celebrate that brokenness gone wild.

No my hope and prayer is that the world will come to it's senses, see the brokenness of this life and WAKE UP. He is not the first to show us how loving the world can kill us... and he won't be the last. I only wish.... many, many, many would wake up and look to the real KING... Jesus Christ.

In a nut shell... the "king of this world", Satan. Had himself a big party this week... and a great many people of the world join right in. How sad!

Journey Camp week

This week we began a five day adventure at Camp Victory.
We are partnering with Camp Victory and having an "uncivilized" experience for 10th - college age. I'm hoping and praying that the week will be very personal and life changing. I hope that these campers begin to see Christ in a new way. Rather than Jesus a white guy that wore a robe, sandals, had long hair and beard and talked softly.

No Jesus was a revolutionar, because he not only talked about loving people... he actually did it. The way that he loved people, blew everyone away. It wasn't religious talk... it was relationship based. That relationship focused life of love and forgiveness transformed people and ignited a anger in others to stop Jesus movement.

This week, I pray that a new revolution of the heart and soul begins in these campers that triggers a chain reaction in others. Reactions both for against Christ.

Stay tuned.

Chasing the Goose

This week we began a new discussion series called "Chasing the Goose".
I've been planning a series on the book of Acts for a long time, and I finally got inspired by another pastors book and study material called - "Chasing the Goose."
Mark Batterson's study focus more on the power of the Holy Spirit over all of history. I took some of his concepts and added them to what I was already preparing on Acts.
What I think comes out of all of this is a very exciting and personallyn challenging series on really following God's Spirit on a crazy adventure... a "wild goose chase " at times!

Some of what I'll be sharing these next few weeks comes from a personal challenge my directors gave to me late 2008. Bill and Rachel asked me to,"study more what it means to be spirit-led, and lead us that way." It's not that we haven't been Spirit-led at Journey or in my personal life... we have. But as I've seen and as can be illustrated, we've caged the Holy Spirit. We've tamed down, the unpredictable power and movement of God in our lives and churches. I hate that and I do want let the Spirit escape and move wildly and freely again. What this looks like... I honestly have no idea, only that there will be more supernatural surprises in store for all of us. Plus, more and more people will want to know God.

As we jump into this study of how the early church was birthed and exploded on the scene I am struck with a interesting battle presenting Acts chapter 1. Jesus has lived, died, rose, ministerd forv 40 days after the resurrection, commmissioned the disciples to "Go make more disciples". Then he says WAIT! Go to Jerusalem, do nothing... wait for my gift of the Holy Spirit to be your power source.

I hate the tension.... really I do between GO and WAIT!
I hate it because I have lived and served in Christian enviroments where waiting is all that we do. We wait and wait for everything to be perfect, predictable and safe.
There are so many people waiting for God to do something.. they are missing out on what God is doing... because it's to radical, costly or unsure.

I am all for waiting, praying, seeking God's will and leading...but not at the expense of never going. Throughout the scriptures many great things happened as men and women boldly stepped out in faith, followed the Spirits leading and God was honored.

The tension between Go and WAIT is tough... because is the God of creation and creativity and does all do things the same. So how do you when to Go and when to Wait?

I hope over the next few weeks we all learn how "Chasing after the goose" will help us answer that question. This is not about just the BIG SUPERNATURAL type events God does. This is about learning to personally follow God's Spirit, be a witness where he calls us to go and go boldly. I invite you to join me on exploring the book of Acts, seeing where God leds and sharing your thoughts and idea here on this blog.

Where are you today.... waiting.... or going?

Fathers Day 2009

What a great weekend for this Fathers Day.
Saturday Carefest at Camp Victory.
Saturday night dinner out with Family, early Father Day gifts.... Guitar Hero Smash Hits!
Then Church in the Park with Journey.

Men and their grills.... it's a simple yet powerful way to celebrate and honor one another. I have much to be grateful for a father. A super wife (Cyndi), three fantastic kids (Abbi, Sarah and Hannah). Above all the people in my life, above all the people we grilled with, ate with and served with.... you matter the most and made it all he more special.

Thanks and for all you other dads.... I hope you as blessed as I am by those in your life that make up your family.

Happy Fathers Day!

3 Passions

Journey is passionate about three things.
Reaching People
Growing Deeper
Honoring God.

For the most part I thing people understand #1 & #3. They may not live them out to the fullest or want to participate.... but I believe that most people get them.
#2 on the other hand, I think people resist.
Yup, I hear plenty of people saying that they want to grow in their faith, understand God and Jesus more and more... yet they never act on their words. Growing Deeper requires a certain commitment to take personal ownership for ones own relationship with God and others. I think we resist partly because we've been led to believe it just naturally happens. Or we believe, it's someone else responsibility to make the first move and get us growing. Not true. Faith is a personal thing, that gets worked out in community with others. Life itself is a laboratory for faith to grow. But we have to be willing to participate... not just wish for it.

Growing deeper also requires us to be vulnerable with others. Jesus taught his disciples how to serve, minister and grow together. I don't see any other way around this issue. If you really want to grow your faith, you must open up your heart and soul to others, develop relationships, risk being hurt... and commit to being held accountable.

I believe that there are a lot of well meaning Christians that really want to grow, but are allowing fear and an over dependency on the church and formal programs do the job for them. It bothers me that so many wish and talk about growing deeper, and yet so few actually set aside the time to make it happen.

As a church we're passionate about growing deeper.
As a pastor I'm driven by this passion.
As a man I love being in a deeper relationship with God and man.
Yes it takes work... but it's so worth it and more often than not... it's so much fun.

Ebenezers

Monday morning I fly out to Washington, DC and will be visiting my cousin before I settle into a fun filled day with Mark Batterson and the National Community Church (http://theaterchurch.com/) staff that run Ebenezers Coffee shop. (http://ebenezerscoffeehouse.com/) DC's #1 Coffee shop and it's an outreach effort of a church that also meets in a theater. (See the connections)
I hope and pray that this trip will help me, help our team as we continue to press forward with the 10 South Broadway site of our possible outreach center / coffee shop.

I am grate that God as opened up a small door. new ministry relationship with Mark and NCC. I pray that this may be the start of new friendship and a time of personal growth.
You can follow my trip on both Facebook and my personal blog.

I ask that you pray for wisdom, open ears and God's spirit to lead me and NCC as we talk together. This is really a "yeah God trip" for all of Journey. Thanks for allowing me to go and making in possible.

31 day Challenge

This Sunday we kicked off a new discussion series "Wisdom For Living" based on the book of Proverbs.
At the end of the morning I placed a church-wide challenge to search, seek, cry out, read and explore one Proverb per day for the next 31 days. It has been really exciting to hear people's reaction to the challenge and their desire to seek more of God's wisdom rather than man's wisdom. Several people are journaling on face-book about their daily readings.

The biggest challenge that see for life transformation is allowing Wisdom (God) to move from the head to the heart. Only 12 inches... but it's so tough for so many to allow to happen. Why is that? If Wisdom is worth chasing after, why don't we let it get to our heart and really change us. Could it because we do believe that change will come and that's the very reason we keep the heart locked up. We are afraid of God size change.

But why fear a loving father, with all that wisdom for life?

12 inches... is that what's keep me and you from really being transformed and experiencing a better life?
12 inches.... what waste of space.

Goose Lessons

This week I got "goosed" at the Exponential Church planters conference on Orlando.
As I got "goosed" I had to do the chicken dance in front of a packed room of pastors and fellow church planters.
Thankfully... neither Bill Elliingson or Rachel Strouf (who made the trip with me) saw me do the dance.

But besides being "goosed" I was reminded of a powerful leadership/ life lesson from geese.
As the geese fly, the form a V-shape. One goose takes the point, while others fall in line on either wing. And then the next, and the next, and the next geese do the same. As they flap their wings together, they are able to fly 71% further than if they were trying to do it all alone. Plus as after awhile, as you get tried. You slide out of formation, drift to the end the V-Shape and allow someone else to take point, and allow all the other geese flapping their weeks help make your efforts easier.

This is how a vision driven church should move as well. All together, behind a common, mission, vision and goal.
If we form up intentionally together... we'll fly further and faster than if we were all "lone rangers" serving God.
The key is that EVERYONE must flap their wings, use their gifts, top help us get to where God wants us to go.
We all needs breaks, but we must not fall out of line.
We all will have our chance to lead out, but that doesn't make you any more important than the goose at the end.

As we move forward into another exciting and outreach focus Summer.
As we intentionally pursue the Outreach Center site.
Believe and commit to help us lighten the load, flying further than we can dream, as we seek to follow God's calling and direction.

Have you been "Goosed" by God?
Well start flapping!

Exponential Conference '09

Today was day one of of (if the largest) church planting conferences on all North America. About 3,000 planting pastors and leaders are expected to be at this years conference which is held at First Baptist of Orlando.
Today I tried to sit on a session that supposed to focus on leadership development. Man was I disappointed.
So I jumped to several other break out sessions and finally ended up at "Creating a Disciple Making Movement" with Jim Putman.
Rachel was sitting in on that one and was excited by how Jim was presenting and the information, ideas and concepts being shared. I was excited to hear how much of his presentation links up with what we are already doing at Journey. And how there were several solid take away concepts that may helps us improve our focus on "making fully devoted followers of Jesus".

I had the change to talk briefly with Mark Batterson about their coffee shop and our possible site for our outreach/ coffee shop.
Ebenezer is a great place and Washington and I look forward to learning more from Mark and his team in the coming weeks.

Take away from the day... "There are not growth barriers.... but really only leadership barriers." - Jim Putman

Here's to day two and a hearing from Erwin McManus for the first time live (in person).

Could this be it?

For five years we have prayed and searched for a place to create out outreach center. A coffee shop style place for people to relax, surf the net, listen to live music, connect and have spiritual conversations with friends, family and strangers. We have dreamed of a place downtown Rochester, that has plenty of parking, great signage and easy access. It has been very hard to find all of things, plus having it be a place that we could put some blood, sweat and tears into.

Well today I believe that God showed us the place.
Everything on our dream list and more!
The possibilities are unbelievable!

Today, begins a new chapter in prayer, focused research and planning.
I believe that there are times that God provides the amazing and he wants to jump in.
As far as I and the other Directors can see, this is the place and we need to jump with God.
The Journey Cafe may not be far from reality!

Dreams are just dreams until you step into them.
I pray, that we step into this and God provides over and above what we could ever ask or imagine!

Do you dare to jump with us?
Stay tuned for more exciting news. This has been an amazing God moving week!

Resurrectuion Day

Resurrection Day or Easter as most people call is an amazing day. It's a day of bitter joy, freedom, and new chances.
As a follower of Jesus, Resurrection Day defines my life. I am free to live completely in the knowledge that God loves me.
More than that, I am able to live life without fear, because God are I.... our relationship is restored.

The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans, "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love." romans 8:38)
Nothing!
As a follower of Jesus, still living in a fallen, broken world it's easy to forget that no matter what I am ok with God. Not because of anything that I have done, or not done. But simply because of all that He has done for me through his son Jesus. As often as my kids blow it, they know deep down inside that they will always have mom and dads love. Yes the mistakes and pains of life may hurt and leave lasting marks... but my love for my three girls will never go away. Nothing, can separate me and my family!
The truth that because of Christ's death and resurrection God feels the same way about me is amazing and humbling.

But I don't get to just live because of Christ. I get to LIVE!
The apostle Paul writes, "Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (romans 8:37)
Overwhelming victory paints a picture of victory from a intense battle. Celebration breaks out in the streets as enemy forces are driven back and away from homes and families. That's how free we are in God's love.

The tomb is empty.
The Savior lives and walks among his people.
He longs to give life to everyone.... all we need to do is believe and accept this amazing free gift.
Do you want to be resurrected from your every day normal life of pain and suffering, loneliness and hurt.
Be convinced as Paul and I are... "Nothing can separate you from God once you've joined his family.
I pray, that this resurrection day many souls are set free, and we see people celebrating, dancing in the streets a life is renewed.

Anniversarys

This is an exciting, exciting time of year for me and my family. April is one celebration after another.
Today marks Cyndi's and mine 20 year anniversary!
It has been an amazing adventure and life with my life partner. At times it seems like we just got married, jumped through a time portal and ended up with a daughter as a Junior in H.S and Twins that are about to enter Middle School.
How did all of that happen?

Plus we celebrated our 5th anniversary as a church. Honestly there were so many that never thought we'd make it to our first or second year celebration. But by the grace of God we have and over 50 kids and adults celebrated with a pizza party and old picture memories.

Yeah it's a party month.

Seeing God

This week the question of really seeing God vs "seeing what you want to believe" has come up several times.
I agree that often we have the ability to see what we want to see in things. Believe because we want to believe in good not evil and so forth. So how we know really know that we are seeing God move and work today verse wishful thinking?

I personally listen to life stories.
How is pray answered.
How has a life been unexpectedly touched, blessed, even rescued for certain destruction.
Yes, I choose to believe in God and his movement in my life and the lives of others.
But as I choose to believe, I actually see more and more that confirms my choice to believe.

I know that there are many, that of a miracle of biblical proportions happened today they would still deny, write if off and not choose to believe. It happen during all of Jesus ministry and it will happen until the end of time.

I'm curious how do others "see God" and know that he is still moving among us?
How much does simple faith verse "having to see it to believe it" work in your life.

I do know the more that I pray, seek God, ask to see His movement.... the more clearly I see it.
It's like the wind... you can't see it, but you do see the effects of the wind.

Exciting Sunday

Every week we gather and we say that we expect God to do the unexpected. We pray, plan and expect the amazing to take place because God desires all of mankind to know him. Well this Sunday was a multiply God sighting Sunday.
First we had great attendance in our 9:00 a.m. gathering
Second we had record attendance in our 10:30 gathering!
As we dedicated two young kids from two different families... we had extra family, friends, co-workers... plus a bunch of people checking us out for the first time, It was exciting
Our kids ministry areas had a total of 30 people (kids and adults)

Then as we were tearing down and packing up, or financial secretary pulled me aside and show me a had written note with cash clipped to it (several hundred dollars). The note read, "Use these for someone on need."
Wow - we have never had a gift like that, from an unknown person, for some unknown need.
Never!

All day like I prayed, thought and meditated on "God give us a real need, to help some one big thing in there lives. Don't have us use $20 here and $20 there. Make it clear that this gift gets you correctly."

Just before 5 p.m., I checked my e-mail Sunday afternoon and received a personal request for help from a newcomer.
The requested amount was more than what we were given, but we could make a big difference with this person, their need and their life. I shared this at our Sunday night LIFE Group and everyone was in tears over the generous gift and the unique need.
God provided in advance, before the request was spoken.
That's a great God sighting.

We desire to a faith community that experiences the power of God and see people become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Days like Sunday, refresh us, encourage us, inspire us to continue to reach out and risk more and more.

"Lord may you bless that unknown giver and may we continue to see more and more of your amazing power, grace and miracles. May you Lord be praised."

I pray that we see more days like this. Not for our sake, but for the sake of others!
I hope you come expecting to see what God will do this week.
I hope that you are watching to see how God is moving every day. Take note and celebrate His great deeds.

Mutipersonality Required

This week I shared with other local pastors some of the high and lows of serving the faith community of Journey. As I spoke I asking, "does it help to have a split personality?" They said with smiles on the faces, "YES".
There are days when you go from one exciting meeting, life moment to the deepest most painful moment in a persons life.
It's not that you're faking it, but to best serve people you must be able to meet them where they are at.
"Weep when they weep, rejoice when they rejoice."
For some of us this "split personality" comes almost natural and actually helps is serve and show the love of God.
To other it is a burden, comes off fake and hurts our efforts.

I wonder how others view those of us that can make the jump and go up and down at a turn of a switch.

Is it helpful?
Is it fake?
Is it a natural part of serving?

I must admit that having this personality and making quick adjustments can wipe me out at times. That is, I go to bed... emotionally dead. Yet, I get up, excited to do it all over again the next day. Am I strange, or is that the amazing way God makes us uniquely gifted/ wired for ministry?

News Report: More Americans say they have no religion

This article came out today. The day after our Vision Day as I shared that 3,400 churches will close this year.
This only reinforces the truth... the church, it's people MUST rise up, shine brighter and go to our hurting world.

read, think and responsed.

More Americans say they have no religion
By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer – Mon Mar 9, 12:14 am ET
A wide-ranging study on American religious life found that the Roman Catholic population has been shifting out o of the Northeast to the Southwest, the percentage of Christians in the nation has declined and more people say they have no religion at all.
Fifteen percent of respondents said they had no religion, an increase from 14.2 percent in 2001 and 8.2 percent in 1990, according to the American Religious Identification Survey.
Northern New England surpassed the Pacific Northwest as the least religious region, with Vermont reporting the highest share of those claiming no religion, at 34 percent. Still, the study found that the numbers of Americans with no religion rose in every state.
"No other religious bloc has kept such a pace in every state," the study's authors said.
In the Northeast, self-identified Catholics made up 36 percent of adults last year, down from 43 percent in 1990. At the same time, however, Catholics grew to about one-third of the adult population in California and Texas, and one-quarter of Floridians, largely due to Latino immigration, according to the research.
Nationally, Catholics remain the largest religious group, with 57 million people saying they belong to the church. The tradition gained 11 million followers since 1990, but its share of the population fell by about a percentage point to 25 percent.
Christians who aren't Catholic also are a declining segment of the country.
In 2008, Christians comprised 76 percent of U.S. adults, compared to about 77 percent in 2001 and about 86 percent in 1990. Researchers said the dwindling ranks of mainline Protestants, including Methodists, Lutherans and Episcopalians, largely explains the shift. Over the last seven years, mainline Protestants dropped from just over 17 percent to 12.9 percent of the population.
The report from The Program on Public Values at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., surveyed 54,461 adults in English or Spanish from February through November of last year. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 0.5 percentage points. The findings are part of a series of studies on American religion by the program that will later look more closely at reasons behind the trends.
The current survey, being released Monday, found traditional organized religion playing less of a role in many lives. Thirty percent of married couples did not have a religious wedding ceremony and 27 percent of respondents said they did not want a religious funeral.
About 12 percent of Americans believe in a higher power but not the personal God at the core of monotheistic faiths. And, since 1990, a slightly greater share of respondents — 1.2 percent — said they were part of new religious movements, including Scientology, Wicca and Santeria.
The study also found signs of a growing influence of churches that either don't belong to a denomination or play down their membership in a religious group.
Respondents who called themselves "non-denominational Christian" grew from 0.1 percent in 1990 to 3.5 percent last year. Congregations that most often use the term are megachurches considered "seeker sensitive." They use rock style music and less structured prayer to attract people who don't usually attend church. Researchers also found a small increase in those who prefer being called evangelical or born-again, rather than claim membership in a denomination.
Evangelical or born-again Americans make up 34 percent of all American adults and 45 percent of all Christians and Catholics, the study found. Researchers found that 18 percent of Catholics consider themselves born-again or evangelical, and nearly 39 percent of mainline Protestants prefer those labels. Many mainline Protestant groups are riven by conflict over how they should interpret what the Bible says about gay relationships, salvation and other issues.
The percentage of Pentecostals remained mostly steady since 1990 at 3.5 percent, a surprising finding considering the dramatic spread of the tradition worldwide. Pentecostals are known for a spirited form of Christianity that includes speaking in tongues and a belief in modern-day miracles.
Mormon numbers also held steady over the period at 1.4 percent of the population, while the number of Jews who described themselves as religiously observant continued to drop, from 1.8 percent in 1990 to 1.2 percent, or 2.7 million people, last year. Researchers plan a broader survey on people who consider themselves culturally Jewish but aren't religious.
The study found that the percentage of Americans who identified themselves as Muslim grew to 0.6 percent of the population, while growth in Eastern religions such as Buddhism slightly slowed.

Dayligt Savings Time

Can we just get rid of this changing the clock twice a year nonsense please?
It really makes no sense and it only messy up people schedules and life.

Vision - Disney Style

On our recent trip to Orlando Cyndi and I had the chance to enjoy a few days at Disney World. Besides the fun of going to Disney, I really get inspired by Walt Disney's dream and vision. Here was a man that bought miles and miles of swamp land! He bought it because he believed that it could be transformed in to an amazing place, "where dreams come true."
What dreams can come true in a swamp?
Yet Walt, believed in the unseen potential of the swamp land and the men and women that would actually roll up their sleeves and bring the dream to life. I find it inspiring that where Walt was the dreamer, visionary, he intentionally placed other gifted, men and women around him to see that the vision was fleshed out properly. His brother was the financial wizard. Walt would dream big dreams, share them with his brother (Roy) and Roy would then have to figure out how to pay for the dream and see that it brought in a profit.
But what inspires me even more is that all these years, the basic vision and dream that Walt laid out is still very much alive and has not been messed with too much. Sure there have been those that have come into the Disney family, tried to change it to their vision, only to see it hurt the overall vision. Eventually the person is asked to leave (removed) and the Disney organization returns back to the foundational principles as laid out by Walt.

Oh that the church of Jesus Christ had such men of faith and vision today.
Visionaries that believe in the unseen Kingdom of God so much, that nothing would stop them from seeing it become a reality. That is in seeing the Great Commission fulfilled.
Oh that the church used the gifts and talents of people to the best of their ability so that the dream could be lived out. Let's let the visionaries hear and sense what God would have us do, share the vision with the right people and have it march forward. If Walt can have a vision of transforming swamp land into a world famous adventure land, can't we embrace the vision to go and partner with the Holy Spirit to see lives transformed and have people live as God designed to live.

I dream such dreams.
I believe in transformation.
I believe in investing all that I have, and in challenging others to help bring the dream to life.

Acts 2:17 says......
‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.

I challenge you to dream with me, help build a place where the lame, the sick, the blind, find freedom and are transformed by God. I challenge you to help build an environment where going, being on mission with is the norm.
"I have a dream..... do you?

American Idol... Drama

This season I have tried to sit and watch more of the American Idol, simply because the rest of the family likes it.
I have to admit, I don't really get the big buzz on this show.
Thousands of people try and show that thy can sing and be the next "big star" in the music industry.
People will do anything, behave anyway to been noticed and get the audition!
This year there was "Bikini girl" and "Norman" that pushed the envelope and the "geek factor" as it its know.
Why?
Why do so many people want to have Randy, Simon, Paula and the new gal judge them?
Why do are so many people willing to have Simon, verbally abuse them in public?
Plus, each week if there isn't enough drama with the singers, the four judges have to go after each other and create drama for the network ratings. It's all so fake and so unneeded.

I have enough drama in my life, I don't need to sit and experience more drama... especially forced, created drama.

I guess, I find it sad, that so many people are willing to do anything, for anyone in order to be told that they are "someone"... aka STAR. I find it much more real, valuable and satisfying when my family and friends tell me truly how they see me.
Oh that can cause drama to, but it's real drama... not a network rating thing.

I wonder, how much the idol type of mind set is effecting our kids, work place and families.
The scriptures say that you should have no other idols before God... and that includes making yourself an idol.

Someone do Something

I recently got back from a conference that included about 200 church planters, spouses, and key leaders with in our nation-wide network of churches known as CONVERGE USA. Our network is one of the two fastest growing and most stable church planting movements in the entire nation. There is must to celebrate and yet so much more that needs to be done.
One speaker at the conference shared a sobering stat.

"At least 3,700 churches will close their doors this year...in 2009."

With population growth, the influx in internationals coming to our country... we can not plant enough churches to effectively serve, minister and reach people for Christ at the rate of churches closing. We are loosing the battle in a country that is seen a "Christian". Wow... that is a real sobering thought.

The speaker spoke with passion and urgency that "someone here, in this room has got to do something."
The scriptures tell us that the "fields are ripe but the labors (workers, servants, risk-takers) are few".
I can't stomach that.
God's word said the world is ready, that light should be expanding and yet not enough people are jumping up make a make in eternity. Someone has got to do something.
I believe that that not just or two have to do something, but an entire faith community must rise up and do something.
A bold movement God, the Holy Spirit, for the sake of Jesus Christ needs to rise up and push back the darkness.
Instead of 3,700 churches closing this year.... 3,700 need to launched,relaunched, reignited.

As we begin this new series called "ALL IN" at Journey. I pray that an entire community of faith explodes with new passion, new sacrifice, new visions and dreams from the Holy Spirit. I pray that this community is the faith community, family called Journey. "SOMEONE HAS GOT TO SOMETHING."

Are ready to do something... then step forward. Don't waste another day. Another day, could see another church close and the darkness will over shadow the light.

Coming Home

I really have enjoyed this week. Several days meeting with some of best church planters and their spouses in our Converge movement of churches, plus some quality time with Cyndi. But a good as this time has been, I'm ready to come home.
When ever I travel over a period of time, I get reminded in my soul what I am called to do and where I am called to serve.

Breaks are good, but don't keep me on the sidelines and on the bench too long.
I could go crazy, without being in the service of God and His people.

From the 75 degrees back to the 17 degrees on Tuesday.
Get ready, Minnesota,..... I'm coming back.

Valentines at Disney

Today is Valentines day we concludeed a two - half day church planters conference in Orlando.
Converge USA our network of churches hosted the event and provided some GREAT deals to get over 200 pastors / planters and spouses at Disney. (suffering for God was tough this week).

After the confefrence Cyndi and I enjoyed at day at Epcot (thanks Tony). We had a fun time and enjoyed watching the fireworks at the Epcot lake. Can't see that enough.

We're celebrating Valentines and our 20 year wedding anniversary a bit early since we're here. (Really a huge God story!!!!)

I hope that you are enjoying a day with the one you love the most.

I'm a hopeless romantic!

Love & higs

Simple or complicated?

I have to admit... I'm a pretty simple guy.
Pizza, Peanut Butter and Jelly (grape jelly), nachos, and cheetos make me happy.
Movies that have lots of explosions and car chases I get.
God's grace and love I get and yet we often make it so hard to accept and live within.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a hard thing. God loved us, so much that he sent is son to live perfect, die a sinners death, rise victorious over the grave and give us freedom and life. Simply!
So why is it that so many people are confused by matters of faith? Could it be another simple thing... that we, the church, have made it more complicated than it was ever intended to be? Have we add layers and layers of programs, process, systems and vocabulary that it appears to be so complicated to the average person and spiritual seeker?
I would say, "yes" we have!

Just this week I heard from several people, "there's got to be more to his faith stuff, this can't just be it."
Part of Jesus mission was to simply live a godly life, simply love people and simplify our relationship with God.
Jesus came to simplify the countless rules, regulations, and boundaries imposed by centuries of religion.
The people of his day were drawn to his simple teaches and truth.
The religious leaders.... hated him for it! They like complicated.

Simple does not me dumb.
Simple does not mean it's not hard or no growth happens.
Rather, Jesus showed simple to be hard, intense, dangerous, radical, and powerful.
Simple brought understanding, understudying brought faith, faith brought action that appeared simple but rocked the world.

Maybe you're confused as you attend Journey, go to LIFE Groups, participate in various ways.
Maybe you're waiting for the simple to end and the complicated to start... because that's how it's always been in church.
I promise you, if you're looking and waiting for the complicated.... you won't find it here at Journey.
Rather you'll find the simple
So why not embrace the simple.... like Jesus taught, modeled and lived.
Simply show love to others.
Simply reach out to a hurting world.
Simply serve expecting nothing in return.
Simply give the best that you have.

Have you had enough of the complicated life?
Simply accept the simple gift of God.... accept and follow a simply power man... God's son Jesus.
Is that simply enough for you?

Inspiring week

This week I have been deeply inspired by the personal movement within people lives all around me. I have had more people coming and going through the office, having lunches, and dialoging via e-mail with than I have in a while. It's not just the volume of the talks, it's the depth and openness of them. There is a passion burning right now to go deeper and higher with God.
There is a desire to be vulnerable, hear the truth and press forward.

This last week we explored the "elephant in the church of the supernatural". How God supernaturally has gifted each of us, as believers to build up, equip and grow the church and it's people. People are exploring this elephant, and beginning to see new insights as to who they are in Christ and who they can become... if they engage these God-given gifts. It has inspired me to review my gift mix and make sure I am being all that I can be with the Holy Spirt and for Jesus.

I want to see the supernatural happen through God's people.
I believe that it does and is happening daily.
I want to make sure that use my gifts, not waste them, and see others grow and grow.

This week has been a domino effect type of week for me. If you're not seeing it, maybe it's because you haven't actively engaged in the supernatural with God, because you're not using your gifts that he has given you. If you have one of the handwritten test, take it and stop by my office.... it may radically effect your life and faith.
Or take a short version at this link (15 min max), and then forward the results to me at rich@journeychurch.net

http://churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.php

What a super.... supernatural week.... I long for more and more of them.
Thanks to those that have stepped up and engaged the Holy Spirit this week.
Now go... and use what has been given to you for the sake of the church/ God's kingdom.

New President

Today I watched history unfold. We say that we live in unique times, but today we have really watched and experienced global moment in time. As Obama was sworn in and began his address the nation and world, he pointed the finger at all of us. All of us that have failed each other, failed our country, failed our hopes and dreams. Rather than point finger at one group or the other, he pointed it to all of us.
Obama also make a strong reference to 1 Corinthians and the call to "grow up" and put away, "childish things". What a great attitude for us to hear. Our nation needs to take responsibility and actively take steps to change and make our nation healthy again.

I know many are have various opinions on our new president. But as Christians we are commanded to respect those in authority and pray for them. So as President Obama calls us to grow, let do so and show our support for him, our nation and God.
May this moment in time, not be wasted, but may it really bring us new hope.

SuperBowl 43

OK the teams are set. In two weeks the Steelers will meet the Cardinals for the Championship (and trip to Disney).

Growing up as a Packer fan (still am), my younger brother was also a big Steeler fan. So our family, often cheered extra hard for the Steelers in the AFC. That was back in the amazing days of the "steel curtain". Guys like Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swan, Franco Harris, "Mean" Joe Greene. Yeah that was classic football stuff.

The Cardinals have moved three times in the NFL history and never really been a big hit. Chicago... years and years ago. The St. Louis (Where they still should be and have the biggest fan base), then now Arizona. The last two years the cards have put together an impressive team. Their team attitude is very solid and they have number one class act QB - Kurt Warner. (almost as old as Brett Farve).

Where I may have the family history with the Steelers, I am going with ARIZONA CARDINALS.
The difference to me is that the Cards defense has really stepped as the playoff have gone on. They have not leveled off or repeated what they did all season. They are actually getting better every week. Rare in any time.

I predict a pretty high scoring game. Both QB's have weapons, and read defenses very well.

So I hope to see you at a superbowl party (somewhere) Feb. 1st. Enjoy the food, the fun and celebrate the new champs of the NFL... the ARIZONA CARDINALS.

Record Cold

It's one thing to be cold, it's another to be COLD!
This winter has reminded me so much of my first winter in MN. I was 17 yrs. old and in High School.
I had to walk to school (10 blocks). Mid-way through a week of a arctic blast like we are experiencing now my mom meet after school, near tears. She apologized for having made my younger brother and I walk to school all week. She had not really believed us it was "that cold" and "that dangerous". As we drank our warm coco, she promised to drive us to school the next few days.

This type of cold is nuts. Yet, it's amazing how people adjust, bundle up and for the most part make the best of it.
Today, my kids simply wanted to stay inside, watch TV, play games and relax with extra blankets on.
No complaining... just kids wanting to "chill out".

We are more adaptable than we think we are. We can adjust, when we have to. But wouldn't it be better if we adjusted because we wanted to. Won't be great if changing and adapting was just a natural, normal part of life, instead of fighting it.
Why does it take the extreme to have this happen?

By Sunday it's supposed to 27 above and we'll believe it's a heat wave, or believe it's still to cold.

For now, adapt, and enjoy the sunny sky, cool temps, and warm coco.

Rich

Disruptions

Normally I don't mind being interrupted and asked to stop, listen or help someone else.
Interruptions are a part of everyday life.
What bugs me sometimes is disruptions.
Disruptions as in, I'm in the zone.... learning, studying, reading and then bang... someone or something calls or walks in the room and the train of thought derails... crash. It's so hard to go back, get that vibe or flow down.
I find it very hard when a disruption breaks a special moment with God.
I may be a place where I am hearing/ sensing more clearly from God than I have in a long, long time. I want to stay in that conversation, I want to stay in that place. But the disruption pulls me out of it.
Is it Ok for me to not stop sometimes?
Is it OK for me to ignore those other pulls and stay in that "place" with God.

I love surprises. I love being "on call" and seeing what may happen next.
What I am learning is... is that maybe I need to not always jump.... maybe I need to pause and stay a little longer with God.
The interruptions and disruption will always come... but that moment with God may not.